The Spain U21 international is set to join the Anfield outfit on a four-year contract with a fee expected to be in the region of £7m.

The 20-year-old scored 11 goals while on loan with Barcelona B in Spain's Segunda Division last season, but the Catalans decided not to exercise an option to sign him on a permanent deal.

That opened the door for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to pursue his interest in Alberto, who is set to become the Reds' third signing of the close season.

Rodgers has already put deals in place to sign Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo for £7.7m, while Kolo Toure will complete a free transfer from Manchester City when the transfer window officially opens on 1 July.

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.